Greetings! On behalf of the executive committee and members of the Black Caucus of Faculty and Staff, I want to extend a warm and hearty welcome to our website. It is an honor and a privilege to serve as Caucus Chair for this academic year. I would like to acknowledge and express my appreciation and gratitude for our outgoing executive committee members: Venetria Patton, chair; David Rollock, vice-chair; Matilda Stokes, secretary/historian; Johnny E. Brown, treasurer; Toyinda Wilson-Long, Fiscal Planner; and Sandra Sydnor, parliamentarian. These members worked tirelessly throughout the year to maintain the high standards set forth by past chairs, executive committee members, committee chairs, and all volunteers.

I especially want to thank the incoming and continuing executive committee members and committee chairs for volunteering their time and talents for the 2014-2015 academic year. The Caucus has been a strong presence at Purdue University since 1975, and I, as well as, our members are thrilled to celebrate our 40th year, working to promote the health and welfare of black faculty, staff, and students. We are very proud of where we are today and excited about where we are headed.

It’s an exciting time for the Caucus as we continue to grow, we strive to remain as adaptable, motivated and responsive to our members and the Purdue community. We pride ourselves on being committed and dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone is respected and contributions are valued.

We believe that you will find the programs and activities of the organization innovative and a reflection of our shared interests and needs. We seek to pool our experiential resources and be a source of information and support for those new to Purdue. We need to form a strong network of knowledge and experience to build that sturdy black bridge for others to cross. We are shaped in part by all that has gone before us. And, new heights reached, or new insights discovered come only – as the quip goes - by ‘standing on the shoulders of others’.

Please consider being an active part of the Caucus by taking out a membership and participating in our socials, meetings, and programs. We look forward to your participation in our Welcome Back Barbecue, Monthly Meetings, Fun Friday Socials, Holiday Card Party & Dance, Black History Month Soul Food Dinner, 40th Annual Student Awards Program, Reception with Upper Administration, and other events. Our members build the very foundation by which our goals can be reached and we encourage you to become actively involved. Should you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact any member of our executive committee or general members.

Before I finish, I'd just like you to know that you, as part of our organization, are our most important and greatest asset. We could not accomplish what we do every day without our members. I'm very pleased to welcome you to the Black Caucus of Faculty and Staff and look forward to working with you!